Every now and then, interesting conversations arise on social media, allowing for philosophical perspectives to interject and offer insight into the topic. I came across just such a conversation this past week when I saw people discussing the “Invisible Guest Theory.” As I tend to do, I immediately thought about how existential philosophy applies to this theory.

The Invisible Guest Theory suggests that people in social situations, such as a party, are too preoccupied with themselves and their own insecurities to pay any attention to anyone else; in effect, they are thinking entirely of themselves and have no time or attention to focus on or judge you.